Hensarling Wants Deficit Reduction Commission To Fail

When Congressional Republicans appointed deficit-hawk and Phil Gramm protégé Rep. Jeb Hensarling to the Deficit Reduction Commission on Friday, they actually appointed someone believes–and even wants–the Commission to fail at its task.

Note Hensarling’s comments from this weekend’s Dallas Morning News:

“It may prove to be an exercise in futility. I think you’ve got to try,” said Hensarling.

Still, he’s dubious.

“This can be yet one more recommendation that gathers dust on members of Congress’ bookshelves, between the copy of the Constitution and the family photo,” he said.

The Republicans have appointed to the commission someone who admits that he believes the commission is an exercise in futility. He’s not even optimistic about its chances.

Why? Because Hensarling is part of a breed of Congressional Republicans who actually want the Deficit Reduction Commission–and most of President Obama’s proposals–to fail.

Why? It is simple: political gain. If President Obama’s plans fail, Congressional Republicans have greater leverage to force themselves back into a position where they can regain seats and look like the people saving America from big, bad Obama.

Of course, not all Congressional Republicans fall into this category, but a lot do. Hensarling is one of them. He’ll likely do his part on the Deficit Reduction Commission to try and make it fail.

Of course, he will also never admit that it was President George W. Bush and not President Obama who ran up staggering deficits with wars on two fronts, poor tax policy, and little fiscal restraint.